Aerospace Engineering (with Foundation Year)BEng (Hons)

Course overview

This degree includes an integrated foundation year if you don’t have the appropriate subjects and/or grades for direct entry to year 1 of the degree. The foundation year helps you develop your knowledge in mathematics and other important subjects to enable you to proceed confidently through the remainder of the programme.

The full degree programme includes mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, materials engineering and design, as well as specialist aerospace and aeronautical topics such as space mechanics, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, flight dynamics, avionics and aircraft systems, aircraft structures and propulsion systems.

As part of your course you take a free flight test course in your second year. You fly in a Jetstream aircraft acquiring flight data as the aircraft undergoes a series of pre-planned manoeuvres. You use data and theory covered in the classroom, to calculate the flight and performance characteristics of the aircraft. Transportation, accommodation and flight tests are provided.

You are taught by experienced staff with a background in either industry or the Royal Air Force who can bring real-life experience to the classroom. You have access to a wide range of well-equipped laboratories including fixed and rotary wing aircraft and their components. Your degree offers employability enhancing curriculum with significant practical work, small manageable laboratory group sizes, and friendly, accessible lecturers.

Our Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering group of subjects are ranked 7th in the country for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2018).

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers under licence from UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

From Year 1, you can join the Institution of Mechanical Engineers as a student affiliate member. Your membership grade depends on your experience and qualifications. As you progress, you can apply for a membership upgrade.

This accredited degree provides you with the BEng-level underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised overseas as well as in the UK.

Course details

In the foundation year (Year 0) you study a range of mathematics and fundamental science and engineering subjects, and you develop important practical laboratory skills to prepare you for the remainder of your programme. The content of the remaining years of this programme is identical to the content of our BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering degree.

The foundation year of this programme is sufficiently broad in content to provide you with the flexibility to change degree subjects after you successfully complete the foundation year.

If your ultimate aim is to graduate with a master’s degree rather than a BEng degree, after successfully completing the foundation year, and providing you achieve excellent grades, you would have the option of joining one of our integrated master’s degrees leading to the award of an MEng (Hons) degree.

Course structure

Year 0 (foundation year) core modules

This module focuses on how science can help address some of the biggest global Grand Challenges that face society. This reflects the University’s focus on externally facing research that makes a real, practical difference to the lives of people and the success of businesses and economies.

You work on a project in a group, to enabling you to develop innovative answers to some of the biggest issues of our time based on five thematic areas – health and wellbeing, resilient and secure societies, digital and creative economy, sustainable environments and learning for the 21st century.

Materials Science

Mathematics in Engineering

Year 1 core modules

This is a group project module which is part of the group project theme running through the engineering programmes. This module introduces you to the practice of creating an engineered design and the organisational issues of controlling a group project. It will provide you with the opportunity to work in a team in order to solve a well defined problem. It will give you an understanding of their knowledge and limitations and the importance of working with other members of a team. There is one week long assignment period allocated to this module and this allows the real time application of skills and knowledge developed in the preceding weeks to be applied to enable manufacture of the designed product. Each group of students will be expected to produce a tangible output from the design and manufacturing work which will account for 60% of the module. For the remaining 40% of marks you will be assessed on the group work process.

This module introduces the range of mathematical skills that are relevant to an engineering degree. You revisit and develop your knowledge of the fundamentals of algebra, trigonometry and basic statistics. The central ideas of vectors, matrices, complex numbers, and differential and integral calculus are also examined.

Throughout the module you develop a range of mathematical skills and techniques fundamental to the solution of engineering problems. You also advance your skills in selecting and applying mathematical techniques.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorial sessions.

You are introduced to the basic principles of fluid mechanics. You explore properties of fluids and different types of flow, and the underlying principles and theory of fluid mechanics in lectures. You look at worked examples in tutorials and laboratory work to enable practical investigation.

This module provides you with a foundational knowledge of important properties of engineering materials, together with a hands-on appreciation of these through laboratory-based practical sessions.

Fundamental relationships between processing, structure, properties and performance will be explored to highlight factors that influence the suitability of materials for various engineering applications.

This module introduces common types of structure used in engineering, assesses the types of loads they must resist and provides you with the analytical skills necessary to design the components that make up the structure.

Lectures will introduce each major topic on the module with tutorials used to practise calculations. Laboratory practicals are used to investigate the properties of construction materials and develop a deeper understanding of structural theory.

The module is assessed by in-course assignment and an examination, comprising calculations and short answer questions on the module indicative content.

You are introduced to the concepts of engineering thermodynamics and heat transfer. You look at the transfer of heat, energy for solids, liquids and gases. You explore the various mechanisms for this heat transfer, quantify these mechanisms and apply them to industrially important equipment, particularly heat exchangers. At the end of the course you will be able to design and analyse heat exchanger systems for a given duty. You look at the engineering thermodynamic properties of pure working fluids. You define, develop and apply a series of thermodynamics principles to solve engineering related problems of increasing difficulty. You explore derivation of the first and second laws of thermodynamic and apply it to real-world analysis of a range of heat-power cycles. You attend a series of preparatory lectures and tutorials.

Year 2 core modules

You look at the fundamental thermodynamics and operational characteristics of a range of engines and their components including gas turbines, jet engines, turbofans, turboshaft engines, ramjets, scramjets and rockets (which are used in aerospace applications) and torque power producing gas turbines (used in industrial and marine applications).

You explore the fundamental thermodynamics of engine operation, the equation for thrust calculations, Mach number, stagnation properties, shock waves, steady one dimensional flow, and analyses of flows through convergent and convergent-divergent nozzles. You learn how to calculate the performance and efficiencies of the engine and its components.

Components include burners and afterburners, compressors, turbine and nozzles. You also look at the calculation and analyses of flows through compressor and turbine blading stages, and fundamentals of rocket propulsion, trajectory analysis, and performance of solid and liquid rocket engines.

You attend a series of keynote lectures as well as problem-solving tutorials and practical investigations.

This is a multi-disciplinary module on fixed-wing aircraft. It covers fundamental concepts of the rigid-body aircraft and its degree of freedom. The main purpose of the module is to introduce the student to the calculation and analysis of aircraft flight performance and stability, with focus on steady-state or quasi steady flight. The flight conditions considered include ground manoeuvre, take-off and landing, cruise condition, and turning. The module will be delivered in a combination of lectures/ tutorials and experimental flight programme. The module will look to establish preparatory experimental design, implementation and analysis of flight data.This module will be assessed by a combination of in-course assessments and an examination.

This module studies the relationships between the external loads applied to a deformable body and the intensity of internal forces acting within the body, and the characteristics of the materials often found in aerospace applications. The subject also involves calculating the deformations and stability and stability of a body when the body is subject to external loadings.The module will develop the essential theory and fundamental principles of structural mechanics and will provide an insight into different materials and their characteristics, thus developing student knowledge, skills and ability to apply this knowledge in aerospace structural analysis and design.Lectures on basic principles and then applications through analysis and laboratory experiments. There is an increasing emphasis on self learning and the use of computational simulation.Assessment will be in the form of written laboratory reports and an examination.

Avionics and aerospace systems are major constituents of all modern aerospace vehicles on which their overall performance and safety is critically dependent. This module considers the development of avionics, investigates the principles that underpin avionic systems operation and examines the current types and applications of avionic systems in use. The module develops your understanding of the engineering issues related to the specification, design and operation of aerospace systems and their overall performance and safe operation by providing an introduction to the types of systems found on aerospace vehicles and their main functions.

The module introduces the fundamental principles and concepts for avionics design including radio and radar technology, navigation systems, flight management systems and automatic flight control systems and focuses on the design and operation of hydraulic and flight control systems using standard engineering tools.

We use a variety of learning and teaching methods to create and maintain your involvement including lectures, practical activity using a flight simulator, assignments, presentations, seminar exercises and tutorials.

Engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and testing of the devices we use. In doing so, they need a deep understanding of the physics that underpins these devices, and must be familiar with mathematical models that predict system behaviour. You learn how to analyze and predict the behaviour of physical systems by studying mechanics.

Dynamics is a branch of elementary mechanics that studies the object in motion. The results obtained from dynamics directly apply to many fields of engineering. This module develops the essential theories and fundamental principles of dynamic and vibration analysis, and enhances your knowledge, skills, and ability to apply them to the analysis of dynamic and vibration problems.

You deepen your mathematical knowledge in key areas to use in a number of techniques to solve problems that arise in engineering domains. You develop competence in identifying the most appropriate method to solve a problem and its application.

You are introduced to the techniques and principles, and you are provided with problems that develop your competency in applying these techniques. You are shown how to implement numerical methods using software techniques.

Final-year core modules

Aerodynamics is an applied science which finds practical application in many areas of engineering. Irrespective of the complexity of a particular problem, the use of aerodynamics is typically aimed to provide insight into either the loadings on a body moving through air or determination of airflows moving through or around physical systems. This module aims to give a broad introduction to aerodynamics, developing the fundamentals of the discipline and applying these to a number of examples and case studies involving both streamlined and bluff bodies. A key aspect of the module is to provide practical experience of the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to analyse a variety of flows. Lectures will be used to introduce techniques and underlying principles. Tutorials will provide the opportunity for you to deepen understanding and develop competence in the application of these. Assessment is by an in-course written report and an end examination.

This module aims to introduce the equations of motion for rigid symmetrical aircraft, to develop simplified models for characteristic motions and to enable students to understand the response of an aircraft to control inputs and disturbances. It develops the concepts of classical control and applies these to controlling an aircraft. The module also introduces the notion of computer programming as a tool to enable development and design in flight dynamics and control.The module will be delivered via lectures, seminars and IT laboratories.Assessment will be via an assignment of no more than 1500 words and a 3 hour time-constrained assessment.

You will develop your independent learning skills by investigating an area of science or engineering for an extended period. You will produce a report or dissertation of your work, along with a verbal or poster presentation, or both. Your topic can be in the form of a research project, a design project or dissertation. You will develop key skills in research, applying and creating knowledge.

This module introduces you to the initial and parametric design of subsonic aircraft. Lectures guide you through the principal steps of these early stages of an aircraft design whilst, in parallel, you work through the process in small groups as you design an aircraft to a given specification.

The module is delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials using flight simulation and model aircraft to demonstrate performance against the specification.

You are assessed through coursework alone. You are required to produce a short individual report on your initial design concept and, at the end, submit a detailed group report demonstrating the performance of your aircraft and the principal facets of its design and construction.

Modules offered may vary.

How you learn

You are expected to attend a range of lectures, small-group tutorials and hands-on laboratory sessions. Part of your programme also involves a substantial research-based project.

The programme provides a number of contact teaching and assessment hours (lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, projects and examinations). You are also expected to spend time on your own - this self-study time is to review lecture notes, prepare coursework assignments, work on projects and revise for assessments.

Each year of full-time study consists of modules totalling 120 credits and each unit of credit corresponds to 10 hours of learning and assessment (contact hours plus self-study hours). So, during one year of full-time study you can expect to have 1,200 hours of learning and assessment.

One module in your study involves a compulsory one-week block delivery period. This intensive problem-solving week, provides you with an opportunity to focus your attention on particular problems and enhance your team-working and employability skills.

You have the unique advantage of access to the facilities of both Teesside University and Hartlepool College of Further Education. In addition to the structural, manufacturing, materials, jet engine and fluids laboratories at the University you also have access to extensive aerospace engineering facilities at Hartlepool, which include an aerospace workshop, several fixed wing and helicopter aircraft, training rigs and equipment for aircraft systems (including modular radar), plus several engines including a Rolls Royce RB211 turbofan, a viper turbojet and a Turbomeca Astazou turboshaft engine. You have the opportunity to run a jet engine to record data and analyse its performance, including component and overall engine efficiencies and thrust.

Other facilities include a flight simulator system, subsonic wind tunnel and state-of-the-art IT and computing laboratories where you conduct aerospace modelling and simulation exercises.

You typically spend four out of five days a week in classes and laboratories at the University. One day each week transport is provided to take you to our facility in Hartlepool to use the laboratories, facilities, workshops and aircraft to perform group design and project work, as well as laboratory work associated with some of your technical modules.

Your programme incorporates a Flight Test course which involves you flying in a Jetstream aircraft fitted with instrumentation for data gathering. You acquire data as the aircraft performs a range of manoeuvres and use this data to perform aircraft performance analysis using theory you have covered in classes.

All costs associated with the flight test course and transportation between the University campus and facilities in Hartlepool are included in the normal tuition fees.

How you are assessed

Your programme includes a range of assessments including coursework assignments, project reports and formal examinations.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Most UCAS tariff based offers are in the range of 32-88 tariff points. Non-tariff qualifications are also considered. The level of the tariff point offer will depend on the subjects that you have studied.

You are expected to have at least Level 2 literacy and numeracy skills. GCSE grade 4 (or C) or a pass in Level 2 Functional Skills are acceptable. If you are unsure your qualifications are eligible for admission, please contact our admissions office for advice.

Entry requirements are provided for guidance only. We offer entrance interviews which help us determine your eligibility for your chosen degree.

Eligible applicants are normally invited for interview before an offer is made. The interview is to determine your potential to succeed and to help us set appropriate entry conditions matched to personal circumstances and the demands of the course. The interview also enables you to see our excellent facilities, meet staff and students, and to learn more about studying at Teesside University.

We encourage all applicants to attend an interview, but if you are unable to attend an interview we may consider your application based on your UCAS application alone. Online or skype interviews may be possible in some cases.

Non-EU international students who require a student visa to study in the UK must meet, in addition to the academic requirements, the UKVI compliant English language requirement. Please check our international student pages for further information.

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting
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You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.Find out more about RPL

Employability

Career opportunities

Most students who join an aerospace engineering programme do so because of their passion for flight and engineering - a combination that is both enjoyable and rewarding in terms of career prospects.

As an engineering graduate you can seek careers in companies directly or indirectly linked to the aerospace industry. Your skills and knowledge are also relevant to other sectors such as the automobile, engineering process, oil and gas, electronics, electrical engineering and renewable energy industries.

Part-time

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A business founded by two Teesside University aerospace engineering students which plans to launch the first civilian space mission in the UK has won a major start-up competition.

Student aerospace project reaches for the stars thanks to funding boost
A start-up company founded by two aerospace engineering students has been given a boost thanks to funding from the University Alliance.

Student project aims to send a rocket to space

Students from the School of Science, Engineering & Design hope to become the first student team to send a rocket into space through their project – tu2space.

More information

TU2Space programmeA ground-breaking project to launch a rocket into space by a group of Teesside University engineering students – preparations are already being made for a rocket launch later this year.More about TU2Space